Flavonoids in Lemon and Grapefruit IntegroPectin

Abstract

Following the analysis of terpenes present in new lemon and grapefruit “IntegroPectin” pectins obtained via the hydrodynamic cavitation of industrial lemon and grapefruit processing waste, the HPLC-MS analysis of the flavonoid compounds reveals the presence of eriocitrin, naringin, hesperidin and kaempferol typical of the respective citrus fruits. The pectic fibers rich in rhamnogalacturonan-I “hairy” regions act as chemical sponges adsorbing and concentrating at their outer surface highly bioactive citrus flavonoids and terpenes. These findings, together with the unique molecular structure of these new whole citrus pectins, provide preliminary insight into the broad-scope and powerful biological activity of these biomaterials. Numerous new biomedical applications beyond prevention and treatment of microbial infections and neurodegenerative disease are anticipated.

New Neuroprotective Effect of Lemon IntegroPectin on Neuronal Cellular Model

“…On the other hand, little or no protection was exerted by commercial citrus pectin indicating that only lemon IntegroPectin exerts a protective role on the cell's central organelle, involved in several pathological dysfunctions. We ascribe these findings to the combined action of the terpenes [40] and flavonoids [59] adsorbed at the surface of the pectic polymer as well as to the unique structure of this new pectin of low degree of esterification and with a more pronounced abundance of RG-I "hairy" regions rich in galactose and arabinose units, capable to bind and inhibit β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-3. As recently remarked by Sobarzo-Sánchez and co-workers suggesting the need for further clinical trials, a few clinical studies have already shown that hesperidin-enriched dietary supplements can significantly improve cerebral blood flow, cognition, and memory performance [46].…”

Protective, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Grapefruit IntegroPectin on SH-SY5Y Cells

“…Among the latter, hydrodynamic cavitation has been lately applied to waste orange peel [18] as well as to the lemon and grapefruit [19] biowaste resulting from Citrus fruit juice extraction. Rich in flavonoids [20] and terpenes [21], the lemon "IntegroPectin" resulting from freeze-drying of the aqueous extract has an exceptionally high antioxidant activity and lacks cytotoxicity, even at a high concentration [19]. Furthermore, lemon and grapefruit In-tegroPectin show significant antibacterial activity [22].…”

A gluten-free biscuit fortified with lemon IntegroPectin

“…The second step between 200 and 400 °C corresponding to the polysaccharide pyrolitic decomposition consisting in a primary and secondary decarboxylation (involving the acid side group and a carbon in the ring), 25 and further water loss due to cleavage of hydroxyl groups in pectin lateral chains, 28 takes place at slower pace for lemon IntegroPectin. The higher mass loss for lemon IntegroPectin (43.50%) compared to commercial citrus pectin (39.05%) in this region is due to loss of adsorbed terpenes 27 and flavonoids 18 present in the former whole pectin, but not in commercial pectin highly purified after precipitation with alcohol.…”